True Friend: Russia Reflects on Fidel Castro's Legacy

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the legacy of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and his contribution to strengthening relations between Moscow and Havana.

This August 13 marks the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth, whom the Russian Foreign Ministry described as a "legendary figure" whose life's work is inseparable from the history of the 20th century.

Moscow recalled that Castro and his comrades overthrew a pro-U.S. dictatorial regime in Cuba in 1959 and built "the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere." According to the Russian ministry, the subsequent economic blockade of the island was a manifestation of the United States' "neocolonial approaches" in the Latin American region. In the context of the Cold War, Cuba's departure from the U.S. sphere of influence posed a serious geopolitical challenge for Washington and, at the same time, became an inspiring example for left-wing movements around the world, the ministry stated.

The ministry noted that the slogan proclaimed by Castro, "Fatherland or Death," became a symbol of the struggle for independence worldwide. It also highlighted his role as a statesman and the socioeconomic transformations carried out under his leadership, as well as the strengthening of Havana's position on the international stage. Moscow also recalled that since coming to power, Castro survived hundreds of assassination attempts, outliving most of his adversaries, and died on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90.

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said Fidel Castro made an "enormous personal contribution" to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and Cuba, and that he is regarded in the country as a "true friend." "In Russia, he is revered as a true friend, and his numerous visits to our country are remembered fondly, leaving behind the most cherished memories," the ministry stated.

The Cuban leader first visited the Soviet Union in 1963, on a trip lasting more than 40 days during which he traveled to over a dozen cities and was warmly received by their residents. The ministry also recalled the meeting between Castro and Yuri Gagarin in Havana in 1961, when the two exchanged hats following an official reception. The photograph from that moment, according to the ministry, became a "symbol of friendship between the USSR and Cuba."

Moscow emphasized that the bonds of trust established during that era withstood the passage of decades. It also recalled that Castro maintained "warm feelings toward Russia" until the end of his life, closely followed events in the country, and placed special importance on Russia's role in world politics.

During the inauguration ceremony of the monument to Fidel Castro in Moscow, held on November 22, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated: "For many generations of our citizens, the image of the Commander was always surrounded by romantic glory, courage, and victories." He also said that the sentiments expressed in the well-known Soviet song "Cuba, mi amor!" reflected sincere and enthusiastic feelings not only toward the Island of Freedom and the entire Cuban people, but directly toward Fidel himself. Putin added that Cuba has been, is, and, he was certain, would always remain Russia's consistent strategic partner and ally in world affairs.

In February 2026, during a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, Putin stated that Russia and Cuba would jointly celebrate the centennial of Fidel Castro's birth. To mark the commemorations, a Russian delegation led by the president's special representative for international cultural cooperation, Mikhail Shvydkoi, is currently in Havana.

As part of the First International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future," Shvydkoi conveyed congratulatory messages from Putin to Army General Raúl Castro and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Various commemorative events are also taking place in Russia, including an exhibition organized by the Communist Party of the Russian Federation at the State Duma, thematic gatherings of the Russian Society of Friendship with Cuba, and conferences held in Castro's honor.

On this August 13, marking the anniversary of the Commander's birth, a commemorative ceremony was held in Moscow at the monument to Fidel Castro. Cultural activities are also planned in several Russian cities whose history is tied to the Cuban revolutionary leader's visits to the Soviet Union.